Welcome to a new segment for our blog from our resident Yin master and all things fitness: Shari!
Shari’s take 10 series will combine a mindfulness video meditation, along with motivational messaging to help us all reach internal peace and balance out the yang of our day to day lives.
This first feature falls right in line with our positive self talk post this week and is all about releasing negative energy!
Negative energy presents itself to us through our daily thoughts and feelings often causing us to believe this false truth that says “we are not AWESOME.”
As we continue to let this negativity into our daily life, it gains strength and power. But just as we let it in, we can RELEASE it.
To let go of these false beliefs, we must first acknowledge that it is just that—FALSE!
Stepping back to observe your thoughts and feelings simply for what they are, allows you to get some distance from them, and see them for what they are: thoughts and feelings.
The video below will take you through a 10ish minute meditation to explore the negativity that you are letting enter your life and help you to release it.
After the meditation, I invite you to take time this week to write down (perhaps in a journal) any negative thoughts and/or feelings that you tell yourself.
Read over your list and ask yourself:
// Is this truth?
// Can it be proven as fact?
// Can you change your thought pattern to see the positive?
Then, mark through the negative and replace with a positive. Maybe even jot the negative down on a piece of paper that you can tear up or burn, etc.
Example: I will never lose 10 lbs. I’m a fat, ugly slob. I hate the way I look. First, is this true? Does our weight affect who we really are? Does our weight make us a slob or ugly? NO! This is a FALSE Truth.
Let this thinking go!
This does not mean that we can’t make healthier food choices and add exercise to our day, and as a result, maybe lose 10 lbs. However, STOP focusing on the number! In your journal or other visible place, jot down small, concrete goals to become healthier—not skinnier!
RELEASE the negative talk.
ASK: Would you talk to your best friend the way you talk to yourself?
Note; however, that there is not to be any JUDGEMENT placed on yourself for anything you think or feel.
All thoughts and feelings are valid as thoughts and feelings, but they are not TRUTH!
Having always had a love for physical fitness, I taught group fitness throughout college, and upon graduating was hired to teach public school.With the demands of a new job and a new husband, exercise became my time to unwind.
With my 3 children now in school, I returned to my first career as a group exercise instructor.
Yoga is one of my favorite styles to teach because it has something for everyone. It is healing and strengthening all in one. It truly is the complete package.
When not in the gym teaching, I enjoying spending time outdoors hiking and exploring with my husband and 3 children.
We are avid travelers who enjoy each new adventure that we encounter. All three of my children are very active in competitive sports.”
ACSM CPT
Senior Fit Specialist
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